INJURIES

What is Lower Back Pain?

Lower back pain may consist of weakness, stiffness, pins and needles, and numbness brought on by trauma from an accident, arthritis, a herniated disc, or being overweight. Other causes include pulled muscles from sports injuries and poor posture when lifting.

Symptoms of Low Back Pain

Low back pain may present as difficulty standing or sitting for too long, difficulty going up or down stairs, difficulty bending down, difficulty kneeling or twisting, restlessness at night, increased fatigue with any activity. Pain ranges from throbbing to subtle, constant to once in a while, pins and needles to dull aches. Pain may radiate down either leg.

How we can help with lower back pain relief

Physical therapy for lower back pain treatment may consist of heat, cryotherapy or electrical stimulation to help alleviate the pain and reduce stiffness. The electrical stimulation used for back pain relief will also help strengthen the low back muscles.

Back pain therapy will begin with instruction in body mechanics and sleep positions. At the same time, you will begin lower back pain exercise with some gentle stretching designed specifically for you and your limitations. You will then progress to strengthening exercise for back pain, which may include an exercise ball workout, endurance exercises, Cybex fitness equipment, and dumbbell exercises. Our philosophy is, the stronger your low back is, the less chance you'll reinjure it.

If you or someone you know could benefit from back pain treatment, please call the NSPT office closest to you and talk to one of our licensed physical therapists. Your primary-care physician may need to provide a referral to activate your health-care benefits.